The warm glow of candlelight washed over all gathered in the darkened Cathedral of Saint Patrick for the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, April 19th.
The Liturgy of Light (Lucernarium) commenced as Father Peter Langevin and ministers proceeded in silence and darkness to the rear of the Cathedral. There, Fr. Langevin spoke to the faithful about the significance of the vigil before bestowing a blessing upon the new fire, which would be used to light the Paschal candle.
Father Brian Romanowski then carried the lighted candle down the main aisle into the dimly-lit Cathedral, pausing three times to sing “The Light of Christ” with the congregation responding, “Praise Be to God.”
The flame from the Paschal candle was passed on to smaller white candles held by parishioners, enveloping the entire church in a warm glow. Upon the Easter candle's arrival in the sanctuary Michael Lianos, music director for the Cathedral, chanted the Easter Proclamation, also known as the Exsultet in Latin, signifying a time of rejoicing.
This Proclamation eloquently conveys the Easter mystery, emphasizing Jesus’ death and resurrection for humanity’s redemption. After readings during the Liturgy of the Word, Father Langevin proclaimed, “Glory to God in the highest,” prompting the Cathedral bells and organ, silent since Holy Thursday, to resound once more in a jubilant celebration.
Seven individuals received the sacrament of Baptism: Egzon Balidemaj, Brieanna Marie Fuentes, Almira Gulotta, Tristan Hope, Andreia Monteiro, Benjamin Way and Deanna Way.
"My friends, you have been made light in Christ," Father Langevin told them. "Walk always as children of light, that persevering in faith, you may run to meet the Lord when He comes with all the saints in the heavenly court."
Those welcomed into the full reception into the Catholic Church though already one with the Church in Baptism were Claudia Bettez, Alexia Bray, Brandon Foley, Sandra Lawson, Yesir Mercado and Dylan Flyntz. With their sponsor standing alongside them, each made a profession of the Catholic faith.
"The Lord receives you into the Catholic Church," Father Langevin told them.
Candidates for Confirmation were Egzon Balidemaj, Claudia Bettez, Alexia Bray, Michael Fenn, Brandon Foley, Brieanna Marie Fuentes, Almira Gulotta, Tristan Hope, Sandra Lawson, Yesir Mercado, Andreia Monteiro, Jeanna Steele, Dylan Flyntz, Benjamin Way and Deanna Way.
"Now you are to share in the outpouring among us of the Holy Spirit," Father Langevin told them.
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